I had straight, fine hair my entire life. After a long illness that included hair loss, my hair grew back very thick and wavy. I decided to combat this for ten years by blowing my hair out and using a flatiron. Every day for ten years.

A friend told me about CG about a year ago and I told her that she didn't understand; I didn't have hair that could be viewed by humans in its natural state. I bought some Deva products and used them...while still blowing and straightening my hair.

A little over a week ago I realized that my career is too busy to spend an hour on my hair every morning; my six kids demand a lot of my time too! So I stopped straightening. Amazingly, no one screamed in horror when they saw me. I've been using Loreal Sulfate Free something or other, the shampoo and conditioner. Then I just put suave mousse in it. Attached are Day one and Day 8 of not straightening. I also included one from before I started, with hair blown out and curled (the last picture).

I'm going to Ulta tomorrow. My hair is very thick and I think it's 2b right now. It does tend toward being greasy, but it has a lot of volume because it's so thick. What do you recommend that I purchase?

I like it! I think you're going to have some fun curly hair once you get into this.

When I started out, I read the Curly Girl Handguide and then went to the nearest Ulta and bought the basics: DevaCurl (or DevaCare, smells better) low poo, One Condition and Arc Angell, plus a diffuser. I wasn't any good at reading hair product labels yet, so it was just easiest for me to go with the Deva line until I figured out what products/techniques my hair liked.

The DevaCurl line is their original line. The DevaCare line was formulated later on, for color treated hair I believe. The No Poo cleanser has no shampoo in it at all. The Low Poo is a gentle shampoo that uses Coco Betaine, which is what your L'Oreal contains if I remember correctly. I'd have started using the No Poo, but my body really hates wheat protein.

Thanks! I did end up with the recoil cream. I tried the recoil shampoo and conditioner and hated them. I also bought the Devacurl volumizing foam and I really love that. As of right now I'm still using the Loreal, but I think I'll likely just go with the Deva products.

The Deva products can be pricey, but honestly my 12 oz bottle of low poo has lasted me over a year now. I only wash my hair 2-3 times per week, only use it on my scalp like the book said to do, and I've got 1/4 a bottle left. Although last month I did start cowashing once a week and low pooing the other wash day. But still, that shampoo has last a LONG time. I have gone through a 12 oz bottle of One C, a large bottle (liter?) of One C, and just bought a second bottle this month. Now that my hair isn't so dry and damaged anymore, I use a bit less conditioner, so hoping to make this liter last awhile.